Method and system for automatic calling unit replenishment

ABSTRACT

A method for automatically replenishing vehicle calling units is disclosed herein. The method includes selecting, in response to a user input, a call unit rate plan including parameters designating automatic replenishment of calling units for loading into a telematics unit. A calling plan configuration signal is transmitted to the telematics unit, where the calling plan configuration signal is indicative of the selected call unit rate plan parameters. The telematics unit is configured with the selected call unit rate plan parameters. A current cycle of the rate plan is monitored, via the telematics unit, for its expiration; and the telematics unit determines whether an additional cycle is available in a plan duration upon expiration of the current cycle. If the additional cycle is available, the telematics unit automatically replenishes the calling units to a number of calling units available per cycle upon the expiration of the current cycle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/607,657, filed Jun. 27, 2003, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to data transmission over a wirelesscommunication system. More specifically, the invention relates to amethod and system for replenishing cellular phone calling units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many passenger vehicles now incorporate an integrated communicationsystem. A Vehicle Communication Unit (VCU) used in conjunction with aWide Area Network (WAN) such as a cellular telephone network or asatellite communication system allows for a variety of fee-basedsubscription services to be provided in a mobile environment. One suchservice provides for the use of a wireless phone within the vehicle.Users of these services find them convenient and at times a lifesaver inemergency situations.

One drawback to these fee-based subscription services, however, is thesubscription cost which, at times, can be quite high. The cost of a planmay be based on many factors. The cost may be based on such factors as,for example, the total number of months duration of the plan, the numberof minutes allowed per month, and the time of day a call is placed.Fortunately, service providers have a wide variety of plans available tosuit most consumers' budgets.

A problem arises, though, when the subscriber uses the cellular phonefor more than the amount of minutes allotted for a particular billingcycle. Depending on the service provider and other billing factors, thecost for these additional minutes can be very high. For example, aservice provider may offer a plan where the cost is under one cent perminute. However, the cost per minute over the plan limit may betwenty-five cents or more. For most situations staying within theallotted number of minutes is not a problem. However, the probability ofincurring additional fees is high for those who may travel extensivelyor who use the cellular phone for work. Excessive fees may also be aproblem for parents that provide a cellular phone to their talkativechildren.

Some cellular phone providers offer inconvenient solutions to theseproblems. One solution provided is a prepaid cellular phone with afinite number of minutes, that upon their use the phone will notfunction. Another option is a calling card, also with prepaid minutes.Calling cards provide an inconvenient solution due to the requirementthat the user must input a long string of digits that corresponds to thecalling card and then the telephone number of the party they are tryingto contact. Further, calling cards are easily lost or misplaced.

It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a system and method forreplenishing calling units to a cellular phone that overcomes these andother disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for automatically replenishing vehicle calling units isdisclosed herein. The method includes selecting, in response to a userinput, a call unit rate plan including parameters designating automaticreplenishment of calling units for loading into a telematics unit. Acalling plan configuration signal is transmitted to the telematics unit,where the calling plan configuration signal is indicative of theselected call unit rate plan parameters. The telematics unit isconfigured with the selected call unit rate plan parameters. A currentcycle of the rate plan is monitored, via the telematics unit, for itsexpiration; and the telematics unit determines whether an additionalcycle is available in a plan duration upon expiration of the currentcycle. If the additional cycle is available, the telematics unitautomatically replenishes the calling units to a number of calling unitsavailable per cycle upon the expiration of the current cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a system for replenishingcellular phone calling units in a mobile vehicle, in accordance with thecurrent invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for replenishingcellular phone calling units in a mobile vehicle, in accordance with thecurrent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of one embodiment of a system forreplenishing cellular phone calling units in a mobile vehicle, inaccordance with the present invention at 100. Cell-phone unitreplenishment system 100 may use current hardware withintelecommunication systems and networks that are enabled by code divisionmultiple access technology (CDMA), but implement new softwareapplications and methods to replenish cellular phone calling units.

Cell-phone unit replenishment system 100 contains one or more mobilevehicles 110, one or more telematics units 120, one or more wirelesscarrier systems 115 of a wireless service provider, one or morecommunication networks 130, one or more land networks 140, and one ormore call centers 150. Call center 150 includes one or more switches151, one or more data transmission devices 152, one or morecommunication services managers 153, one or more communication servicesdatabases 154, one or more advisors 155, and one or more bus systems156.

Mobile vehicle 110 is a vehicle equipped with suitable hardware andsoftware for transmitting and receiving voice and data communications.Mobile vehicle 110 contains telematics unit 120. Telematics unit 120 mayinclude a digital signal processor (DSP) 122 connected to a wirelessanalog, digital or dual-mode modem 124, a global positioning system(GPS) unit 126, an in-vehicle memory 125, a microphone 121, one or morespeakers 123, and a wireless communication device 127. Wirelesscommunication device 127 may be an in-vehicle mobile (cellular) phone.In-vehicle mobile phone 127 may be an analog, digital, or dual-modecellular phone.

DSP 122 uses instructions and data from a computer usable medium thatcontains various computer programs for controlling programming andoperational modes within mobile vehicle 110. Digital signals activateprogramming and operational modes, as well as provide input and outputdata. DSP 122 may direct communications from the telematics unit 120through mobile phone 127.

Telematics unit 120 contains an in-vehicle wireless communication devicesuch as a digital mobile or cellular phone 127 with suitable hardwareand software for transmitting and receiving data communications. Mobilephone 127 may be a CDMA-enabled, TDMA-enabled, or GSM-enabledcommunication device. Mobile vehicle 110 sends to and receives radiotransmissions from wireless carrier system 115. Mobile vehicle 110 mayalso contain a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, amicrocontroller, or a host processor with software and additionalhardware to enable communications with the mobile vehicle and to performother routines and requested services.

In one embodiment, wireless carrier system 115 may be a wirelesscommunications carrier. Wireless carrier system 115 may be, for example,a mobile telephone system or station. The mobile telephone system may bea digital mobile telephone system operating over a prescribed bandnominally at 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, or any suitable band capable ofcarrying mobile communications. The wireless vehicle communicationdevice may be enabled by code division multiple access technology (CDMA)with greater call capacity than narrowband multiple access wirelesstechnologies. Wireless carrier system 115 transmits to and receivessignals from mobile vehicle 110. Wireless carrier system 115 may alsotransmit to and receive signals from a second mobile vehicle 110.Wireless carrier system 115 may be connected with communications network130.

Communications network 130 comprises a mobile switching center (MSC),also known as a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO). Communicationsnetwork 130 comprises services from one or more wireless communicationscompanies. Communications network 130 includes any suitable system orcollection of systems for connecting wireless carrier system 115 to asecond mobile vehicle 110 or to a call center. In one embodiment, landnetwork 140 is a public-switched telephone network. Land network 140 maybe comprised of a wired network, an optical network, a fiber network,another wireless network, or any combination thereof. Land network 140comprises an Internet protocol (IP) network. Land network 140 connectscommunications network 130 to a call center.

In one embodiment, land network 140 connects a first wireless carriersystem 115 with a second wireless carrier system 115. Communicationnetwork 130 and land network 140 may connect wireless carrier system 115to a communication node or call center 150.

Call center 150 may be a location where many calls may be received andserviced at the same time, or where many calls may be sent at the sametime. Alternatively, call center 150 may be a telematics service callcenter, prescribing communications to and from mobile vehicles 110. Thecall center may be a voice call center, providing verbal communicationsbetween an advisor in the call center and a subscriber in a mobilevehicle. In one embodiment, the call center contains each of thesefunctions to provide requested subscriber services.

These services include, but are not limited to enrollment services,navigation assistance, directory assistance, roadside assistance,business or residential assistance, information services assistance,emergency assistance, and communications assistance. Telematics servicecall center 150 may also manage personal calling plans negotiated withlocal wireless carrier providers in the home area of a driver.

The call center 150 contains switch 151. Switch 151 is connected to landnetwork 140, and may receive a modem carrier signal from an analog modemor from a digital modem. Switch 151 transmits voice or data transmissionfrom the communication node and may also receive voice or datatransmissions from mobile vehicle 110 through wireless carrier system115, communications network 130, and land network 140. Further, switch151 receives from or sends data transmissions to data transmissiondevice 152. Switch 151 may also receive from or send voice transmissionsto advisor 155 via bus system 156.

Data transmission device 152 sends or receives data from switch 151.Data transmission device 152 may be an IP router or a modem. Datatransmission device 152 may transfer data to or from advisor 155, one ormore communication services managers 153, one or more communicationservices databases 154, and any other device connected to bus system156. Data transmission device 152 also conveys information received fromland network 140 to communication services manager 153. Communicationservices manager 153 is connected to switch 151, data transmissiondevice 152, and advisor 155 through bus system 156. The call centerincludes any combination of hardware or software facilitating datatransmissions between call center 150 and mobile vehicle 110.

Communication services manager 153 receives information from mobilevehicle 110 through wireless carrier system 115, communication network130, land network 140, and data transmission device 152. Communicationservices manager 153 may send information to mobile vehicle 110 throughdata transmission device 152, land network 140, communication network130 and wireless carrier system 115. Communication services manager 153may also determine whether a communication should be sent to mobilevehicle 110, provide further requests and determinations based on areply from mobile vehicle 110 and provide information to mobile vehicle110 from communication services database 154.

Communication services database 154 contains records on one or moremobile vehicles 110. Records in communication services database 154 mayinclude vehicle identification, location information, statusinformation, and recent action information regarding mobile vehicle 110.Communication services database 154 provides information and othersupport to communication services manager 153.

Advisor 155 may be a real advisor or a virtual advisor. A real advisoris a human being in verbal communication with mobile vehicle 110. Avirtual advisor is a synthesized voice interface responding to requestsfrom mobile vehicle 110. Advisor 155 provides services to mobile vehicle110. Advisor 155 may communicate with communication services manager 153or any other device connected to bus system 156.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method forreplenishing calling units for a wireless communication device inaccordance with the present invention and shown generally at 200. In thepreferred embodiment, method 200 utilizes a system like that describedin FIG. 1.

Method 200 begins when a subscriber contacts the call center 150 andselects a calling unit rate plan (Block 205). The subscriber may contactcall center 150 by phone, the Internet or any other method known in theart.

A calling unit rate plan provides the details of the cellular phonesubscription service the subscriber selects. The calling unit rate planincludes several parameters for the subscriber to define. In oneembodiment, these parameters include the duration of the plan, thenumber of cycles the duration is divided into and the number of callingunits per cycle. These parameters comprise a calling plan terminationconfiguration whereby upon the expiration of the duration or thedepletion of the calling units, the calling plan is terminated. Inanother embodiment, a rollover parameter may be defined. This parametercomprises choosing whether any unused calling units will rollover intothe next cycle. As an example, the subscriber may choose a plan having aduration of one year, the duration divided into twelve cycles(recurrences) and 200 calling units (minutes) per cycle. The subscribermay also choose to have any minutes left at the end of a cycle torollover into the next cycle.

Once the plan is selected, a calling plan configuration signal is sentto the telematics unit 120 of vehicle 110 (Block 210). The calling planconfiguration signal includes data regarding the calling unit rate planparameters. Once received, the calling plan configuration signal is thenused to configure the telematics unit hardware with the selectedparameters (Block 215). The number of calling units are stored in memory125 located within the telematics unit. Referring to the above example,the subscriber's cellular phone is now configured for a plan duration of12 months, the duration divided into one-month cycles with a limit of200 minutes in each one-month cycle.

As the calling units are used the telematics unit 110 will decrement theavailable calling units and store the remaining available calling unitsin memory (Block 220). The configured telematics software will alsodetermine whether or not the duration of the current cycle has expired(Block 225). If the current cycle has expired the telematics unitsoftware will determine whether there is a remaining cycle recurrence(Block 230). If there is at least one remaining cycle, the telematicsunit will reset the number of available calling units to the configuredvalue (Block 235) and return to Block 220. If it is determined thatthere are no remaining cycles (i.e. the duration of the plan hasexpired), the subscriber will be prompted to contact the calling centerto select a calling unit rate plan (Block 205). In another embodiment,the subscriber may be given the option of purchasing a one time callingunit package. The one time unit package would allow the subscriber theability to continue using the cellular phone and to contact the callcenter at a later time to select another calling unit plan.

If, at Block 225, the system determines that the cycle duration has notexpired, the system determines whether the calling units are depleted(Block 240). If the units have not been depleted, the method returns toBlock 220. If the units have been depleted but the cycle duration hasnot expired, the subscriber is given the choice to purchase a one-timecalling unit package (Block 250) or wait until the start of a new cycle(Block 245).

In another embodiment of the method illustrated in FIG. 2 any remainingcalling units at the end of a cycle may be rolled over to the nextcycle. The remaining minutes are stored in memory located in thetelematics unit. In one embodiment, these minutes are stored in alocation separate from the minutes allocated for a new cycle and aredepleted before the new amount of minutes are used. In anotherembodiment, the rolled over minutes are added to the newly allocatedminutes with no distinction made between the minutes. For example, if atthe end of a 200 minute per month cycle there remains 10 minutes, theremaining 10 minutes are added to the newly allocated 200 minutes madeavailable at the beginning of the new cycle resulting in a total of 210minutes available for the new cycle.

In another embodiment, the method does not allow for the purchase of aone time calling unit package, causing the subscriber to wait for unitreplenishment at the start of a new cycle. This method may be attractiveto parents who wish for their children to have a mobile phone when theyare driving but without the worry that the child would use the phonebeyond the allotted number of minutes per cycle.

In yet another embodiment, the cellular phone is not linked to atelematics unit of a vehicle. In this embodiment a cellular phoneincludes the necessary hardware and software for implementing a methodfor replenishing calling units as that described above in FIG. 2.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presentlyconsidered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thescope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalents areintended to be embraced therein.

1. A method for automatically replenishing vehicle calling units,comprising: selecting, in response to a user input, a call unit rateplan including parameters designating automatic replenishment of callingunits for loading into a telematics unit; transmitting a calling planconfiguration signal to the telematics unit, the calling planconfiguration signal being indicative of the selected call unit rateplan parameters; configuring the telematics unit with the selected callunit rate plan parameters; monitoring, via the telematics unit, acurrent cycle of the rate plan for its expiration; determining, via thetelematics unit, whether an additional cycle is available in a planduration upon expiration of the current cycle; and if the additionalcycle is available, automatically replenishing, via the telematics unit,the calling units to a number of calling units available per cycle uponthe expiration of the current cycle.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1wherein the call unit rate plan parameters include the plan duration, anumber of cycles per the plan duration, and the number of calling unitsper cycle.
 3. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein configuring thetelematics unit with the selected call unit rate plan parametersincludes: setting a plan expiration date based on the selected planduration; setting a cycle expiration date for each cycle of the planduration; and setting the number of calling units for a first cycle. 4.The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising decrementing thenumber of calling units available for the current cycle as the callingunits are used during the current cycle.
 5. The method as defined inclaim 1 wherein automatically replenishing is accomplished at anexpiration of each cycle throughout the plan duration.
 6. The method asdefined in claim 1, further comprising automatically rolling over unusedcalling units of the current cycle into a next cycle upon the expirationof the current cycle.
 7. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein a callcenter selects the call unit rate plan in response to the user input,and wherein the call center transmits the calling plan configurationsignal to the telematics unit.
 8. A computer usable medium including aprogram for automatically replenishing vehicle calling units,comprising: computer program code for selecting, in response to a userinput, a call unit rate plan including parameters designating automaticreplenishment of calling units for loading into a telematics unit;computer program code for transmitting a calling plan configurationsignal to the telematics unit, the calling plan configuration signalbeing indicative of the selected call unit rate plan parameters;computer program code for configuring the telematics unit with theselected call unit rate plan parameters; computer program code formonitoring a current cycle of the rate plan for its expiration; computerprogram code for determining whether an additional cycle is available ina plan duration upon expiration of the current cycle; and computerprogram code for automatically replenishing the calling units to anumber of calling units available per cycle upon the expiration of thecurrent cycle if the additional cycle is available.
 9. The computerusable medium as defined in claim 8 wherein the call unit rate planparameters include the plan duration, a number of cycles per the planduration, and the number of calling units per cycle, and wherein thecomputer program code for configuring the telematics unit with theselected call unit rate plan parameters includes: computer program codefor setting a plan expiration date based on the selected plan duration;computer program code for setting a cycle expiration date for each cycleof the plan duration; and computer program code for setting the numberof calling units for a first cycle.
 10. The computer usable medium asdefined in claim 8, further comprising computer program code fordecrementing the number of calling units available for the current cycleas the calling units are used during the current cycle.
 11. The computerusable medium as defined in claim 8, further comprising computer programcode for automatically rolling over unused calling units of the currentcycle into a next cycle upon the expiration of the current cycle.
 12. Asystem for automatically replenishing vehicle calling units, comprising:a call center configured to select, in response to a user input, a callunit rate plan including parameters designating automatic replenishmentof calling units; and a telematics unit configured to i) receive, fromthe call center, a calling plan configuration signal that is indicativeof the selected call unit rate plan parameters, ii) configure itselfwith the selected call unit rate plan parameters, iii) monitor a currentcycle for its expiration, iv) determine whether an additional cycle isavailable in a plan duration upon expiration of the current cycle, andv) if the additional cycle is available, automatically replenish thecalling units to a number of calling units available per cycle upon theexpiration of the current cycle.
 13. The system as defined in claim 12wherein the call unit rate plan parameters include the plan duration, anumber of cycles per the plan duration, and the number of calling unitsper cycle, and wherein the telematics unit is further configured to: seta plan expiration date based on the selected plan duration; set a cycleexpiration date for each cycle of the plan duration; and set the numberof calling units for a first cycle.
 14. The system as defined in claim12 wherein the telematics unit is further configured to decrement thenumber of calling units available for the current cycle as the callingunits are used during the current cycle.
 15. The system as defined inclaim 12 wherein the telematics unit is further configured toautomatically roll over unused calling units of the current cycle into anext cycle upon the expiration of the current cycle.